Alberto “Treb” Monteras II’s Respeto was the most decorated film at the second edition of The Eddys, or Entertainment Editors’ Choice Awards, held Monday night at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City.
The acclaimed independent film, which stars hip-hop artist Abra, bagged six major awards including the coveted Best Film, Best Supporting Actor and Actress for Dido dela Paz and Chai Fonacier (tied with Angeli Bayani and Therese Malvar), respectively, Best Musical Score, Best Sound Design and Best Original Theme Song.
Winning Best Director was Mikhail Red for the film Birdshot, which tells the story of a farm girl who wanders into a forest reserve where she shoots and kills a critically endangered and protected Philippine Eagle. The film won Best Cinematography for Mycko David and its lead star Mary Joy Apostol took home the Best Actress plum.
“It’s a great honor. We’ve been with this film for like two to three years internationally, and it’s a different feeling when you’re appreciated by local audiences and award-giving bodies,” Red told MS Entertainment shortly after the star-studded ceremony.
He also shared what his major inspirations in making the film and how the story affected him on a personal level.
“I’m always drawn to very morally complex stories that talk about Philippine society in general. For me, Birdshot is basically a bird’s eye-view of all the issues in our country,” he noted.
The recognition, according to Red, motivates him to create more quality films.
“It’s only a beginning for us. In fact, I just finished a movie, we’re in post-production and I’m shooting another one in August,” Red revealed.
The director, who hopes that he can inspire younger filmmakers and audiences with his body of work, expressed that film outfits should diversify and producers should start investing on genre movies to sustain the growth this industry has been experiencing late.
Taking home the event’s highest acting honor for an actor was Aga Muhlach, who, however, was unable to receive the recognition.
Winning Best Screenplay was Eric Cabahug for Deadma Walking, while this year’s Best Production Design trophy went to Gino Gonzales for Ang Larawan. Ang Panday bagged the Best Visual Effects award and Marya Ignacio took home the Best Editing award for Kita Kita.
Meanwhile, three special awards were given out: the Joe Quirino Award, given to the late movie reviewer and professor Mario Hernando (Posthumous Award), the Manny Pichel Award, handed to entertainment editor and columnist Ricky Lo, and Producer of the Year that went to Vic del Rosario, Jr. of Viva Films.
A special tribute was given to Hernando, directors Maryo J. delos Reyes, Soxy Topacio, Maning Borlaza, Argel Joseph, actress Isabel Granada, and award-winning actor Bernardo Bernardo
Icon Awardees were Charo Santos-Concio, Eddie Garcia, Susan Roces, Gloria Romero, Nora Aunor, and Maricel Soriano.
The awards night was hosted by siblings Ruffa and Raymond Gutierrez with Tim Yap and Rhian Ramos.
Organized by SPEEd or the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors, The Eddys aims to encourage local filmmakers, producers, writers, and actors to continue pursuing their passion for creating films that mirror the realities of our society.
Images by Teddy Pelaez